Commissioning a social workservice to support GPs

Against a backdrop of strong population growth for our region, an ageing population, potential healthcare workforce shortages and greater numbers of hospitalisations and GP visits over the next 15 years, Northern Sydney PHN will be concentrating on innovative and sustainable solutions that shift the focus of care out of the hospitals and supporting the role of primary health.

Socioeconomic factors have an important impact on a person’s health and well-being, these include anxiety, insecurity, social isolation, access to affordable services and provision of housing.

The commissioned social work services will provide support for patients to stay well and in their own homes, including better support around psycho-social, health, social and welfare needs, in order to reduce the likelihood of crisis admissions or re admissions to hospital